In NORAC 100, what is true about hand signals?

• A. They replace all radio communications.
• B. They are decorative and optional.
• C. They are only used in yard limits.
• D. They provide safe movement guidance when signaling or communications are not fully available.

Answer: (D)

Hand signals in NORAC 100 are a backup method for guiding movements when normal signals or radio communications aren’t fully available. They’re not decorative or optional, and they’re not limited to yard areas. Trained personnel use a standardized set of gestures that convey clear instructions—such as stop, proceed, or proceed at restricted speed—so the locomotive engineer and crew can move safely even when other communications fail or are incomplete. This backup system helps prevent miscommunication and ensures safe operation during outages, obscured signals, or when a flagger is directing movement.